One More Week

The last few weeks have been quite busy, with my clinical manager far away visiting family in the Philippines. She is the go-to person for complicated situations, such as diagnoses, family meetings and insurance issues, as well as arranging for continuing education classes we sponsor onsite. Certainly a vacation was in order for her; however, the loss of her presence in our department for three weeks has been obvious. In addition to the above responsibilities, she has the speech therapists and occupational therapists reporting to her. However, since she has been away, I get the pleasure of helping the whole outpatient rehabilitation area when needed. Thankfully, the department runs itself and when an incident occurs, everyone joins in.

Interestingly enough, even though my dear friend and coworker is on the other side of the planet, she has made it clear that she is completely dedicated to her position and the healthcare system (not that it was ever a question). Approximately five days after she left to visit her home, I started receiving forwarded phone calls from her desk phone. This was followed by a message from her that she was checking her voicemail to make sure that whoever needed assistance would get what they needed, even though she was thousands of miles away. Soon after, she called as we were closing the department at 8:30 pm, to check on us and make sure that she didn't forget to do anything before she left. Even from a distance, she is most efficient.

Although she is terribly missed in our department, we're surviving. We looking forward to her coming back home in one week, when she will light up the department with her warmth and support.

Each member of the team provides an important part of the puzzle that keeps us together. From longtime staff members to new graduates as well as staff relief, the contribution from each person is amazingly unique. The leadership is what ties it all together, and thankfully our clinical manager will return next Friday -- just in time to start the fall semester of studying for our DPTs, but before we celebrate making it through the first year of our studies successfully! Return home safely, Anto!